Progress Report

[atherleisure]

I spent a few of my evenings this week working on lace. It's from a pattern published in The Art of Knitting in 1892 (#71 on page 50). I'm using #30 crochet cotton and 4-0 needles, and after blocking the first eight repeats, I can't say I'm thrilled with it. The idea had been to make enough for the hem of an 1890's petticoat, but since it's really not blocking out the way I hoped it would and takes about an hour to the inch, I'm not sure whether I'll pursue it.



Other than that I've been working on an 1880's dress. I fit the bodice muslin and cut the lining. Last night, I cut the silk faille for the main garment, though I'm holding off cutting the sleeves until I have the bodice together and can double check the fit. I still need to cut the contrast, which will be a silver silk taffeta. I'm hoping to cut the bodice pieces tonight, but I'll have to put together the drapery before cutting the skirt because I want to conserve the silver where I can so I'll only be using it where it shows on the skirt. So there's nothing noteworthy on that dress at present, but I'm pleased so far.

Comments

[nuranar.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I love that you're knitting lace (I think of Laura knitting when the blizzard came in the Long Winter), but I agree it's not good if you don't like it. What's wrong with it to you?

That 1880s dress sounds amazing. I'm looking forward to using faille in an upcoming project.

[atherleisure.livejournal.com]

If you look at the picture in the book, the little wheel of eyelets in the middle is a lot more open than mine, and the eyelets along the edges are much more even. I tried teasing it a bit as I blocked it, but the bottom edge just seems really tightly knitted. Maybe I'll try knitting the edge stitch instead of slipping it, but I'm not sure that won't just make the edge look goofy. Size 3-0 needles just made the whole thing look poorly knitted - the garter stitch parts were just too loose. Maybe that means it's time to start thinking more seriously about the openwork stocking idea I've been playing with. Or maybe I can find a lace pattern that works better for me.

I think the faille is going to ravel worse than the taffetas and crepe I've used, but I think it will be great for the very structured look of the 1880's. And it smooths so nicely, just with the hand.

[nuranar.livejournal.com]

Yes, yours is a lot more dense. I would cut your losses on this and just try something else, either another lace pattern... or play with stockings. ;)

I hadn't thought of raveling - good point! My red taffeta is kind of that way, too - easy to crumble, but also easy to smooth.

[mala-14.livejournal.com]

No point in putting that much time and labour into something if you don't like it. You're such a fabulous knitter, I'm sure you'll make many other beautiful things that you like better. The 1880's silk dress sounds dreamy!

[atherleisure.livejournal.com]

You are so kind. Maybe I can find a lace pattern I like better. Or maybe it just means I should focus on finishing the petticoat I started knitting in April. Or maybe I should pursue the openwork stockings I've been scheming about in the background...of course, that requires finding a fine non-mercerized cotton yarn...

[starlightmasque.livejournal.com]

Beautiful!

[atherleisure.livejournal.com]

Thanks.